Newcastle United sporting director Paul Mitchell has sparked debate amongst fans after suggesting we have overpaid for players in the last few years and will be aiming to avoid a similar feat during his tenure.
These quotes come after Newcastle failed to secure the signing of Marc Guehi for around £70m, a fee which many supporters believed to be a fair bit above his value, even after his impressive performances at the Euros.
Of course, Newcastle did not bring in the England international, but that was more to do with the fact Crystal Palace had already sold Joachim Andersen and suffered an injury to one of their other centre back options.
Despite bringing in some gems since the PIF takeover, Mitchell claims that Newcastle perhaps have a history of overpaying for players, and some fans believe they know who he is talking about.
Mitchell said: “Is there a point of value for every single player and did, maybe, this football club need to draw a line in the sand of ‘we’re not going to overpay?’
“Looking at the players we have signed – and we’ve signed some really good players – could we say that some of those players, potentially, cost more money than they should have done in the market at that current context? You probably could have that argument and discussion.
“For this club to come out and say actually, we really liked this player and thought he could have brought benefit to this squad, but [ask] is it at any cost? Is it at financial risk to the organisation and our growth and our plan?
“I don’t think we should do that (overpay). That’s a personal choice. Others might have a different opinion on that but I do take that part of my job seriously.
“Would it have been easier to sit in front of you all with hallmark signings that cost a load of money? Of course it would. But ultimately have them at the detriment to Newcastle’s ability to grow and high strategic ambitions for Paul Mitchell’s glorification – that’s not the job I’m paid to do. I’m paid to do the job in the short, medium and the long term.”
So, who is he referring to when it comes to post-takeover deals where we’ve overpaid?
Harvey Barnes has been suggested with a fee of £38m for a backup left wing option, though a player with double figures in goals and assists in the Premier League will always cost a fair amount.
Sandro Tonali for £55m and Lewis Hall for £28m are two others who have been bought despite being relatively unproven in England. But, again, given their age and potential, it’s the going rate for top young talent.
I am not sure he had specific individuals in mind, my take is that a combination of predominantly looking at the PL and the very real “Saudi tax” means to fill a specific position it may have been cheaper to look further afield.
Eddie also made plain that he had a very small list of players that he felt would improve his squad, and logic dictates the smaller your list the more likely we are to be screwed.
Mitchell has been employed to change the player recruitment process, that process although successful has taken us from no debt to what looks like 160M+ in 2 and a half years, and caused the fire sale of 2 potentially excellent players and the buying of a keeper for 20M we will never use.
We can not go on as before, because who are our saleable assets if we end up over PSR limits next year, we will be forced into selling one of the purple 3 and making an unhappy squad even less happy.
Reality can be painful, but the fact that PIF are still willing to back the club with their financial hands tied is the most important thing at this stage.
There will be plenty more pain to come and some bruised egos and my guess is the fans will be screaming at Mitchell as the bad guy, but perhaps we should blame the PL or even those that left us PSR vulnerable?
To remove Mitchell now would be to refuse a potential cure, even if that cure tastes bitter.
Dave M(Quote)
While I think Mitchell is spending too many column inches covering his **** and trying to isolate himself from a disastrous transfer window, what he says is correct. Over the last 3 years I found myself saying “who, and how much?” a lot.
Looking back at what we paid for some players we can honestly say they turned out to be worth it, but most turned out to be worth it AFTER Eddie and his team spent some time with them. Whether or not they were worth the money when we bought them is another thing altogether.
Daveys **** mate(Quote)
Dave M: you’re suggesting the PSR fiasco in June may recur this year again?
davewallace(Quote)
Mitchell is trying to blame everyone he can “It’s not me Gov” I’ve just got here and the place is a mess.
Can’t see him staying long or we will lose Howe.
Joseph(Quote)
Wow does he know which United he’s working for? They parachuted into a relegation fight. After that and upto Tonali the recruitment has been exceptional.
This guy worries me.
John Hutton(Quote)
John Hutton. Spot-on and likewise. Airing dirty laundry is not a good look. Nor too, trying to absolve
Oneself of collective responsibility. It’ll be interesting to see how this pans-out. I am concerned that trouble is brewing behind the scenes.
Peaco(Quote)
A complete ridiculous non story.. people need to grow up and stop
Whining and looking to cast blame ..it’s all whatifery and opinion based on ignorance .. and Poorly argued click Bait … the fact is Mitchell and Howe made the correct decision and saved spending £70-£80 million on a player worth £35 million on Transfermarket ..
Mike(Quote)
Anyone can come in to a club and say they have overspent in the past. Guimaraes, Gordon and Isak have to be the exception. Let’s see what “ exceptional bargains “ Mitchell brings in, his comments have set himself a marker for future transactions!
TigerMax(Quote)
Initially I said give the guy time to settle in, it’s been a bad window but he’s still new to the club and the ownership changes haven’t helped, but now I’m getting the feeling that he’s going to be a problem, and it’s going to come down to us having to choose between him and Howe. I sense a power struggle.
Personally, I’d prefer it if it was left to managers to sign the players they want, like it used to be. I don’t like this DoF BS.
Rob(Quote)
Howe has already said there is discord in the dressing room according to the chronicle if its true
.It dosent help Mitchell coming in and rocking the boat even more
Fanforever(Quote)